As reported in late editions of yesterday's Evening Gazette the son of MP Stuart Bell was warned yesterday he could still face jail after admitting stealing more than #2,000 from another politician.

But Malcolm Bell, 19, was told by a district judge that thanks to "glowing" character references, a community sentence was more likely.

Bow Street Magistrates heard how Bell stole blank cheques from the office of George Galloway MP while working for his dad as a House of Commons researcher.

The actions of the MP's son were an attempt to escape from "a life which wasn't quite of his choosing", the court was told.

Bell admitted stealing four cheques from Mr Galloway's office near the Houses of Parliament, on August 31 last year.

He wrote out one for #1,788 and used it to buy an Egyptian figurine over the Internet, posing as a Doctor Mustafa.

He made out another to himself for #350, which transferred to his account and another for #500, which the bank refused.

Police went to his office on November 7, seizing equipment, and when they searched his home they found the Egyptian figurine.

Bell, of Richmond, Surrey, admitted theft, obtaining property by deception, obtaining a money transfer by deception and attempting to obtain a money transfer by deception.

Mark Haslam, defending, said Bell was motivated by "financial reasons".

"He has been subject to a series of events which weren't of his making or choosing," he told the court.

District Judge Penelope Hewitt said the "glowing" character references from family and friends showed he'd acted from desperation.

She said: "It's quite clear from all the people who have written that they are all deeply fond of him and were very shocked by what he has done.

"I accept he has been a good and loving son up until now but something has clearly gone wrong."

Mrs Hewitt said the matter had caused the family "enormous distress" and she said the teenager should get outside help.

The glowing character references "probably say as much about the father as they do about the son," the district judge added, "showing how he is held in high regard by the people in his constituency".

Mrs Hewitt added: "All sentencing options are open.

"With a matter as serious as this the option of detention is still there."

She said a community based penalty would be the likely option but she would not rule out a custodial sentence.

Bell was given unconditional bail and the case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports to February 14.

* Earlier this month Stuart Bell's daughter, Yvonne, was fined the equivalent of #115 for being drunk at an airport in Dubai. The journalist was arrested on New Year's Day after allegedly swearing at a policeman.